What is joint physical custody?

Joint physical custody is a legal term that refers to the arrangement between divorced or separated parents in which both parents have equal amounts of time with their children. In Texas, joint physical custody means that both parents divide the time the children live with them equally. This could mean that the children split their time between both parents’ homes or visit each parent on alternating weeks or they move back and forth between the parents. The parents must agree to an arrangement that works for all of them and the children. When parents have joint physical custody, they are both able to make decisions about their children’s health, education, and religious upbringing. It also means that both parents are responsible for the physical, emotional and financial welfare of the children. Though joint physical custody is not always possible, Texas law encourages parents to consider this as an option, as it allows both parents to be involved in their children’s lives. It is important to remember that joint physical custody does not necessarily mean that the parents live close together. In fact, it is not uncommon for children to spend some time with one parent and some time with the other parent even if they live far away.

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